David Chase, the mastermind behind hit HBO drama 'The Sopranos,' is set to pen a new limited series on the CIA's notorious mind control program, dubbed MKUltra. The show, titled after the project codename, will delve into the dark world of Sidney Gottlieb, a scientist known as the "black sorcerer" who led the clandestine initiative from 1953 to 1973.
Chase's latest project is based on John Lisle's book 'Project Mind Control: Sidney Gottlieb, the CIA, and the Tragedy of MKUltra.' The series promises to be a gripping narrative that explores Gottlieb's work in testing hallucinogenic drugs, hypnosis, and torture on unsuspecting subjects. The program's aim was to counter what the CIA perceived as the Soviet Union and China's alleged "brainwashing" techniques.
Gottlieb's involvement with MKUltra is shrouded in controversy. He introduced LSD to the CIA in the 1950s, sparking the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Many test subjects were coerced or misled into participating in experiments that left permanent damage.
The news marks Chase's return to television after a hiatus from series writing since 'The Sopranos.' The critically acclaimed drama earned Chase five Emmy Awards and cemented his legacy as a master storyteller. Since then, he has focused on feature films, including 'Not Fade Away' and the 'Sopranos' prequel 'The Many Saints of Newark.'
Chase's return to series writing comes at a time when television dramas are facing increased scrutiny about complexity and audience engagement. In recent interviews, Chase expressed his disillusionment with the current state of television, citing the need for shows that are "too complex" or "make too much sense." The showrunner seems determined to defy these trends, bringing a new level of depth and nuance to the small screen.
Chase's limited series on MKUltra promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of one of the darkest chapters in CIA history. With his experience in crafting intricate narratives and complex characters, Chase is well-equipped to tackle this challenging subject matter. The project's release will undoubtedly generate significant buzz among fans and critics alike, cementing Chase's reputation as a fearless storyteller willing to push boundaries.
Chase's latest project is based on John Lisle's book 'Project Mind Control: Sidney Gottlieb, the CIA, and the Tragedy of MKUltra.' The series promises to be a gripping narrative that explores Gottlieb's work in testing hallucinogenic drugs, hypnosis, and torture on unsuspecting subjects. The program's aim was to counter what the CIA perceived as the Soviet Union and China's alleged "brainwashing" techniques.
Gottlieb's involvement with MKUltra is shrouded in controversy. He introduced LSD to the CIA in the 1950s, sparking the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Many test subjects were coerced or misled into participating in experiments that left permanent damage.
The news marks Chase's return to television after a hiatus from series writing since 'The Sopranos.' The critically acclaimed drama earned Chase five Emmy Awards and cemented his legacy as a master storyteller. Since then, he has focused on feature films, including 'Not Fade Away' and the 'Sopranos' prequel 'The Many Saints of Newark.'
Chase's return to series writing comes at a time when television dramas are facing increased scrutiny about complexity and audience engagement. In recent interviews, Chase expressed his disillusionment with the current state of television, citing the need for shows that are "too complex" or "make too much sense." The showrunner seems determined to defy these trends, bringing a new level of depth and nuance to the small screen.
Chase's limited series on MKUltra promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of one of the darkest chapters in CIA history. With his experience in crafting intricate narratives and complex characters, Chase is well-equipped to tackle this challenging subject matter. The project's release will undoubtedly generate significant buzz among fans and critics alike, cementing Chase's reputation as a fearless storyteller willing to push boundaries.